Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have launched a massive security operation across several forest communities in Owerri West Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of 24 suspects linked to alleged criminal activities.
The coordinated raid, carried out in Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, Nekede and Okolochi communities, comes amid growing tension over repeated cases of kidnapping, violent attacks and insecurity reported by residents in the area.
Confirming the operation on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Imo State, DSP Henry Okoye, said more than 250 police officers and local vigilante operatives participated in the exercise.
According to him, the operation was led by the Area Commander, Owerri Urban, ACP Michael Abattam, and targeted forest hideouts and black spots believed to be harbouring criminal elements.
Among the suspects arrested were Jonah Abotu, 21; Abel John, 22; Ibrahim Ubande, 40; Peter Samuel, 28; Kabiru Yahaya, 20; and Yahaya Adamu, 22.
Police also recovered several items during the operation, including substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, more than six unregistered motorcycles and other incriminating materials.
Okoye disclosed that all suspects have been transferred to the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The operation targeted suspected criminal hideouts and black spots within the forested areas with the aim of completely eradicating criminal activities and restoring public confidence in the affected communities,” he stated.
“During the operation, a total of 24 suspects were arrested from different locations within the forest.”
The police spokesperson explained that the operation followed fresh directives from the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, who reportedly ordered intensified security measures to combat rising insecurity in parts of Owerri West.
The latest crackdown comes after increasing complaints from residents of Eziobodo and surrounding communities over alleged attacks by armed criminals and suspected herders.
Residents had recently staged peaceful protests demanding urgent intervention from the government and security agencies following repeated kidnappings and violent incidents in the area.
One of the incidents that sparked outrage was the killing of a resident identified as Chimuanya Eke, who was reportedly shot by suspected herders while trying to buy medication for his sick child.
The victim later died at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, leaving behind his wife and five children — a tragedy that triggered emotional reactions across the community.
Reacting to the latest arrests, the police commissioner assured residents that security operations would continue aggressively until criminal activities are brought under control.
The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue sharing useful information with security agencies to help tackle insecurity across the state.
